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February 25 - March 1, 2007 — Las Vegas, Nevada
Last month we hinted at some fairly big news regarding the ASD/AMD Trade Show. We're back to follow through on that threat/promise, with that update plus some bonus news about another trade show that is in the works.
At the ASD/AMD Trade Show in February, rumors circumnavigated the show floor about some venue changes for the show. As it turns out, there was a modicum of validity to some of these rumblings, and we now have confirmed some of these changes per the following:
The reason for the one-time-only move to Mandalay Bay is due to the arrival of the ConExpo-Con/Agg Show (March 11-15, 2008), a showcase of heavy construction equipment that not surprisingly requires not only the entire Las Vegas Convention Center, but also a move-in and move-out time frame of several weeks per.
Holding the ASD/AMD Trade Show at the LVCC concurrently with the set-up for the ConExpo show would probably result in extensive damage to ASD/AMD exhibits and exhibitors alike, so it's just as well that we don't fight them for the space.
For the curious, ConExpo can be found at www.conexpoconagg.com. For those who don't give a hoot, it's still the same Web address, or try www.theonion.com.
Oddly, given the overwhelming amount of construction that is going on in Las Vegas right now, it would seem more cost-efficient to hold the ConExpo out on the Strip with the equipment that is already in place.
But I digress.
The other major development that impacts the army/navy marketplace is the scheduled debut of the brand spanking new Army Navy Military Expo, to take place at Caesar's Palace Hotel on the dates of August 12-14, 2007.
You'll note that the new show tucks neatly into the dates of the ASD/AMD Trade Show (August 12-16). Not just mere coincedence, but planned with the intention of maximizing efficiencies for exhibiting firms and buyers who are part and parcel of the ASD/AMD show experience.
The ANM Expo is a three-day affair, addressing one of the long-standing complaints about what is perceived as the excessive show length of the ASD/AMD show.
The show planners have said that they will be putting greater emphasis on attracting core army/navy buyers, especially those that may have stopped attending the ASD/AMD show and others who may have never visited the show. Luring international buyers will also be a priority.
ANM Expo show organizers note that the products featured at the show will be restricted to categories that are central to the army/navy store mission. This includes the usual military surplus and military-style goods, but also covers law enforcement goods, paintball, airsoft, camping, tactical, workwear, uniforms, outerwear, footwear, cutlery, some closeouts and closely related items.
Army/navy supplier firms who have commented on the new show have noted that the ultimate measure of its success will be its ability to draw a strong on-target buyer contingent, especially bringing back some of the long-time no-shows and a healthy amount of new blood.
Some established ASD/AMD exhibitors point out that they have developed a lucrative business with non-military buyers over the years at the ASD/AMD shows, and that they still believe in maintaining an ASD/AMD presence to remain in contact with the non-military element that buys at that show.
Although booth rates for the ANM Expo are considerably less than the same space purchased at the ASD/AMD show, exhibiting at both shows will engender additional expense and personnel for exhibitors.
For more information about the Army Navy Military Expo, visit www.armynavymilitaryexpo.com. For more information about ASD/AMD, visit www.merchandisegroup.com.